Airsoft Guns

A sniper is an infantry soldier best known for exceptional long-range marksmanship and covert tactics. It is a difficult, yet highly revered role. If you are interested in becoming a sniper, there are a few things you will need to procure as you prepare for the role.

• Airsoft Sniper Rifle. The most important piece of gear you will need is a high-powered, precision-accuracy Airsoft sniper rifle. These riffles typically have an extremely high FPS (power) rating and a long barrel, allowing for more precise, long-distance firing. It is important to practice with your rifle before you assume the sniper role. The more second nature your rifle becomes, the more likely you will be able to achieve your goals on the field.


• Scope / Optics. Sniper rifles are often bundled with scopes and/or bipods to help improve accuracy. You should have at least one decent, entry-level scope on your rifle to ensure you can keep a safe distance from your target.


• A side arm. You will need a smaller side arm (airsoft AEGs are a popular choice) in case your position is compromised. A simple pistol and holster should give you some defense if you are charged with enemy fire in a close combat scenario.


• Camouflage. Quality camouflage will give you the security you need to line up precision shots. Ghillie suits are a popular and effective choice. Choose one that will blend well with the terrain you plan to snipe in. Occasionally you may move between different types of terrain, such as field to forest. Make sure your camo can adapt with the move.


• Quality ammunition. Only quality BBs will work with high-performance airsoft sniper rifles. Lower grade BBs will break apart and jam your weapon. Worse yet, if you use cheap BBs you will void your rifle's warranty. High quality BBs that are only sold at airsoft specialty retailers. These BBs will also improve your performance as they improve FPS and firing accuracy.


• Skills and knowledge. Being a sniper doesn't mean you need to have the most expensive rifle. Skills such as marksmanship, discipline, and knowledge of the sniper role are much more important. Do your research and keep in mind that snipers don't fire off many shots in a game... it's about making select strategic kills without giving away your position.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs and airsoft sniper rifles for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft sniper, airsoft sniper rifle, airsoft sniper rifles, how to be a sniper, how to be an airsoft sniper, sniper rifle, sniper rifles

Close Quarter Combat (CQC), is a military tactic made popular by Israeli and Russian soldiers that involves using close proximity, speed, and accuracy to violently overtake an enemy target made. In airsoft, CQC is one of the most exhilarating and realistic exercises you can engage in. In modern warfare fellow soldiers, enemy fighters, hostages and civilians are often closely intermingled, making long distance assaults less risky. Since the main objective is a rapid and violent takeover with minimal friendly fire and casualties, a strong CQC soldier must think fast on their feet and have a mastery of their weapon. Here are a few tips on being the best CQC player you can be:

• CQC is typically a side arm game... think airsoft AEGs such as pistols and hand guns. Machine guns and large rifles have their time and place, but in most close quarters combat scenarios, they are a disadvantage as they are bulky and less agile.


• CQC requires more compact, short range firearms which allow for a higher rate of fire and maneuverability. Once you have selected the right electric airsoft guns, practice, practice, practice. CQC is too high speed to risk inaccuracy.


• Most CQC games are played in smaller enclosed areas, often mimicking an urban warzone, though outdoor games are fun as well. Regardless of the location, CQC is fast paced and typically full of surprises, so it is best to know the terrain before-hand.


• CQC players are encouraged to wear extra padding. Direct and even ricochet hits can be very painful in this close proximity.


• It is recommended that you carry a multi-tool (for possible gun jams), duct tape (for Macgyver moments), water, extra mags, and whatever accessories fit the objective. Smoke grenades are a cool way to enhance a CQC exercise. Camouflage is also recommended for that added element of surprise.


• Eye protection is a MUST. At this close of a range you could potentially lose an eye.


• A strong CQC player is aware of enemy movements, uses cover effectively, and knows to watch their AEG's battery life.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including electric airsoft guns and airsoft sniper rifles.

Labels: Airsoft, airsoft games, airsoft tips, Close quarter combat, CQC

For the past ten years, the airsoft market has been dominated by Taiwanese and Japanese manufacturers like ICS, Classic Army and Tokyo Marui. These companies produce high quality products and enjoy strong brand recognition, but, unfortunately, their reputation for quality comes with a high price tag. Their airsoft sniper rifles start at $250 and are often priced in excess of $400, making them a major investment and limiting the average person's ability to purchase multiple arms. One could argue that this is simply the cost of quality, but as an industry insider I know the high price tag has more to do with their manufacturing costs than the guns' superior construction.

In recent years, some strong contenders from China have garnered attention. Manufacturers like Jing Gong (JG), AGM, DBoys, and CYMA may have at first been dismissed as Chinese knockoffs, but today it is clear that they manufacture to the same high performance/quality standards as their Japanese and Taiwanese counterparts. How do they manufacture high quality products for so much less? The Chinese factories tend to be larger and have lower labor and component costs. In fact, you are more likely to find these electric airsoft rifles on US military training bases than their East Asian competitors because you simply cannot beat the value.

The classic airsoft manufacturers may have met their match in the new generation of Chinese manufactured arms. Here are a few examples of high-value Chinese manufactured airsoft rifles:

• The JG M4 S-System: With a muzzle velocity that overpowers even Tokyo Marui AEGs, this firearm is a tremendous value considering its extremely solid ABS polymer body and full metal rail system and gear box. The JG M4 S-System is releasing a new 2010 version and features numerous tactical accessory upgrades, including flashlights, scopes, lasers, and grenade launchers.


• JG M4 S-System Full Metal: Similar to the KWA M4 S-SYSTEM, but more advanced, the JG M4 S-SYSTEM features full metal design and fires at 400-450 FPS. A pre-installed MOSFET CHIP ensures the highest rate of fire, quicker trigger response and longer battery life. It is literally the lowest priced MOSFET-equipped airsoft M4 S-System AEG there is.


• AGM L96 w/ scope & bipod: Perhaps one of the best rifles ever launched by AGM, the new AGM AWP L96 bolt action sniper rifle is one of the nicest bolt actions on the market for under $100. It features a long, one-piece, full-metal, tight-bore sniper barrel and shoots with extreme force (over 450 FPS) and accuracy.


• DE Multi-Shot Triple Burst Shotgun: This multi-shot, triple burst, heavyweight shotgun is the newest DE shotgun on the market. It features three barrels combined into one super-reinforced barrel to maximize power and tactical efficiency. Three BBs shoot out after every pump, making this the fastest-shooting airsoft shotgun on the market, not to mention one of the most versatile shotguns you can purchase for less than $100.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, an airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs and full metal airsoft rifles. Airsoft Megastore offers deep discounts on sale items for players interested in cheap AEG airsoft guns and looking to find airsoft sniper rifles cheap.

Labels: airsoft rifle, airsoft rifle comparison, airsoft rifles, best airsoft rifles

While airsoft gear tends to be durable, I have come across a few prematurely broken electric airsoft sniper rifles in my time. More often than not, these rifles were victim to user misuse and abuse. I strongly believe that you should enjoy your airsoft gear to the fullest, but it's also important to take care of your investment so that it will last for the long-haul. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

• Only use quality BBs. If you take only one concept away from this list, let it be this: avoid cheap BBs at all cost! Low grade airsoft BBs are found in sporting goods stores and Wal-Mart. They are sometimes labeled as "Seamless Airsoft 0.20g" or "Seamless Airsoft 0.12g" BBs but don't let the name fool you, these are sub-par BBs and need to be avoided. These cheap BBs break apart too easily, which leads to jams, stripped pistons, and chipped gears. Furthermore, if you use cheap BBs you will void your warranty. High quality BBs are sold exclusively at airsoft specialty retailers and will minimize jamming, improve FPS, and improve firing accuracy.


• Beware low battery power. When your rifle battery is low, it's easier for the gearbox to "lock up" which can lead to damaged internal components. To avoid this, keep your firearm appropriately charged and stop using the rifle when battery life is low.


• But also beware of over-changing. On the flip side, it is not wise to leave your battery charging overnight with a standard wall charger. This practice can lead to damaged battery cells. Charge for fixed periods of time using a hi-output "smart" charger, which will taper off the current when the battery is full.


• Be careful with upgrades. Upgrades should only be made by experts. Keep in mind that raising battery voltage will put more stress on your firearm as it increases will your Rate of Fire (ROF) as opposed to Feet per Second (FPS) or velocity. If you want to increase your FPS it makes more sense to upgrade your spring, but again, this will add more stress to the internals that have not been upgraded in proportion to the spring. In short, it's best to consult with an expert when considering upgrades to your rifle.


• Care for your gun. You should always perform general maintenance before and after serious game play. The general maintenance should include unjamming and clearing the barrel of debris, as well as lubing the internal barrel, the hop up and magazine. Expert internal maintenance should be done every 4 to 6 months.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, a leading online provider of airsoft guns, gear and accessories. Airsoft Megastore offers guaranteed lowest prices on airsoft guns including electric airsoft guns and airsoft sniper rifles.

Labels: airsoft gun care, airsoft rifle, airsoft rifle care, best airsoft practices, cleaning airsoft